New Delhi: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) Monday supported the amendment Bill tabled in the Lok Sabha relating to atrocities against Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) and batted for booking the culprits as per the proposed Bill.
Speaking on behalf of the party, BJD MP from Jajpur Rita Tarai supported the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Bill, 2018, which proposes to amend the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
She said, “I welcome the Bill meant to amend the original Bill. The existing provisions seem to have failed to take care of the issues. I believe this amendment Bill will help in fighting the atrocities against them.”
“Under the new provisions, there would not be any need for permission from higher rank official to lodge an FIR in cases relating to atrocities against SCs/STs. This will ensure social justice. We also need to strengthen the existing norms of the Act.”
In 2018, the Supreme Court had said that for persons who are accused of an offence under the original Act would require approval of the Senior Superintendent of Police before an arrest is made. Further, the DSP might conduct a preliminary enquiry to find out whether there is a prima facie case under the Act.
Contrary to the apex court order, the amendment Bill discussed Monday in the Lower House mandates that the investigating officer will not require the approval of any authority for the arrest of an accused. Further, it makes it clear that a preliminary enquiry will not be required for the registration of a First Information Report against a person accused under the Act.